All mosques, except one, to remain closed during Ramadan: Awqaf

As Qatar continues to implement precautionary measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has confirmed that all mosques will stay closed and congregational prayers (five obligatory prayers as well as Friday prayers) will remain suspended until the risk to the public's health has passed.

In a statement issued today, Awqaf said the only exemption to this decision will be for the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab mosque where the Friday prayer, as well as the sermon, will take place.

However, only 40 worshippers will be allowed to join the prayers, including imams, muezzins, and employees of the mosque.

بيان #وزارة_الأوقاف بشأن استمرار إيقاف خطبة الجمعة وصلاة الجماعة في مساجد قطر خلال شهر رمضان المبارك، مع نقل صلاة الجمعة وصلاة العشاء والتراويح والقيام من جامع الإمام محمد بن عبدالوهاب حصرياً.#سلامتك_هي_سلامتي #لأجل_قطر_كلنا_في_البيت pic.twitter.com/pIaP4LRC0V

— وزارة الأوقاف - قطر (@AwqafM) April 22, 2020

The evening and Taraweeh prayers will also be held at the mosque during Ramadan, in the presence of the imam and four of the mosque's employees, Awqaf mentioned. This will be done while observing the necessary health precautions outlined by the Ministry of Public Health.

These prayers will be The Ministry added that these prayers will be conveyed to the public on television and radio channels, with the assurance that it is not permissible to perform prayer by listening to the radio, television, and other means of communication, Awqaf noted.

Moreover, the Ministry said it will maintain regular communication with the relevant authorities to keep track of the situation pertaining to COVID-19. 

Mosques will be reopened once the epidemic is contained.

These measures have been taken in the best interest of the public to keep them safe and free from the risk of contracting the infectious disease, Awqaf underlined. 

Furthermore, the Ministry congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari government and the people of Qatar on the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Source: Awqaf